Lessons learned from fostering, training and loving dogs.

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Guest Post from Fosterdad

Mark and I started dating about two years ago, and at the time he had no idea what he was signing up for with my future as a foster parent. Being a college senior, I don’t think the responsibility of a dog is exactly his idea of the best way to spend his last few months before the real world, but he supports me and helps me out so much with all the dogs I bring home – definitely being a “fosterdad” to each one. I wanted him to share his take on the rescue world that I so lovingly forced upon him :-).

So Juliana was nice enough to let me borrow her blog for a day and write from a different view. First, to introduce myself I’m Mark. I’m the one you sometimes see at the other end of the leash in many of the photos from different adventures. I get to see the behind the scenes view of Juliana’s growth in the foster world, and at the same time I’m learning a lot.

You were introduced to my canine family in Doggy Pawlitics. My two goldens, Profittarollie and Seamus, gave me a passion for dogs, but I grew up with a very limited scope of what owning a dog meant. My perspective on dog ownership has completely changed and I hope to share my lessons learned.

Until I was 11 years old my dad was allergic to dogs, and conveniently when my mom wanted a puppy my dad was no longer allergic. Funny how that works…

I know many of you are true believers in adoptions and rescues, so bear with me as I tell you my story. My mom spent many months learning everything about Golden Retriever breeders all around Pennsylvania and neighboring states. She picked a reputable breeder and checked on the health history of the mother and father. Finally after the due diligence and waiting, we brought home 8 week old Profittarollie, Profitta or Pro for short.

It was amazing, and a lot of work, raising a puppy. We had her for eight years before I was leaving for college. During the month before I left my mom and I went down the street to a doggy daycare that we trust with Profitta when we are out of town. The owner, who is a family friend, told my mom about a young male golden that had been dropped off by a couple that could no longer take care of him. He had serious behavior issues such as marking in the house and chewing up all their belongings. The establishment was not a shelter or a rescue organization, but they still wanted to find this dog a home. My mom’s heart was sold quickly to help this dog in need. She brought Seamus into our house the day after I left for school (and may or may not have talked to my dad about it first).

Even though I left for school three hours away, when I came home for break the first time Seamus became my dog. Every few months when I make it home for a weekend Seamus is by my side the whole time and even lets me have a corner of my bed to sleep in with him.

He is an amazing dog, and Profitta is the perfect alpha female to break his bad puppy habits and show him how to be a family dog.

What is most interesting about my story is how my view of my own dogs has changed after being exposed to the work many of you do. I never really thought of Seamus as a rescue dog, and I never understood that a community like the one Juliana is involved with even existed.

The moral of my story, education is everything. Many people do not know the options that are out there to gain a best friend and help save an animal’s life no matter what kind of dog you are looking for. Breed preference is personal and we all have our reasons. Personally, I have grown to love pits, but I will always consider myself a golden person. In any case it does not make a difference because there are so many organizations out there for every breed.

There are many issues that surround the canine community. I believe the best way to really help people learn is to engage them in conversation and work to understand each others views. Juliana & I often have different views on adopting, training, and caring for dogs, but I like to think that by really talking about the issues we’ve been able to expand our views and improve ourselves as dog owners. You of course have to respect everyone’s opinions and choice about their dogs, but we can still help each other become better owners.

Thanks for sharing your story, Mark! I think it’s great that your mom chose to research a reputable breeder rather than just going to any old pet store and buying a puppy that most likely came from a puppy mill. And then she went and rescued Seamus! I love hearing from the menfolk on everyone’s blogs, it’s always so nice to hear their thoughts on things…and like Two Grads said, you two are a gorgeous couple!

Pleasure to meet you, Mark! As Emily said, I love hearing from the dudes, some of whom may have been dragged into this crazy dog rescue world slightly against their will! Beautiful family photo, by the way! (PS does anyone else agree that there is nothing sexier than a man who loves animals??)

We were at Juliana’s Love Ball event that benefits MCHS every fall! I was just a volunteer so I had to wear the just black, but since Juliana was in charge she got to be a little more stylish. My parents were nice enough to drive down for the event and bring the dogs with them. It was a lot of fun and if you’re in the area you should get more information for this years event.

Hey Mark! Nice to hear from you! Isn’t it funny how knowing another person can bring so much awareness about something you never knew existed. Imagine how much else we ALL don’t know about. I know that if you want to love Juliana, you better love animals. And yes, I agree, men who love animals are extremely appealing…You two are lucky to have each other. :):):)

Absolutely GORGEOUS couple, love hearing from the dudes that support all us dog ladies :) I personally am always so curious how well everyone else’s significant others deal with all our dog obsessions. Great to hear from Mark and about his lovely dogs!